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The Work Permit is MOM's pass for semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries or regions. It covers five sectors: construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process and services. MOM says the duration is generally 2 years. The worker may work only for the named employer and cannot run another business.
Checked on MOM pages updated from to . This is an independent guide, not MOM.
Who can get a Work Permit?
MOM's main page describes the Work Permit as the route for semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries or regions. The sector decides the rules. Each sector has its own requirements for which workers are allowed, so an employer must read the page for construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services before hiring.
The pages we read do not list the approved countries, the Work Permit fees or the age limits, so we do not quote them. Confirm them on MOM's sector pages and in the Work Permit Online system before you plan costs.
What does MOM require from the employer?
MOM's Work Permit conditions page sets duties for the employer. These are the main ones.
| Employer duty | MOM rule |
|---|---|
| Employ only workers with valid permits | Required |
| Pay the declared fixed monthly salary | Required |
| Provide proper housing | Required |
| Medical insurance | Cover inpatient care and surgery |
| Primary Care Plan | Outpatient coverage, from |
| Medical exams | By Singapore-registered doctors |
| Foreign worker levy | Paid monthly |
| Security bond | For non-Malaysian workers |
| Agency payments | Cannot demand payments from agencies tied to the employment |
MOM also says that female Work Permit holders have medical examinations every 6 months, and that non-Malaysian male workers in certain sectors must complete the Onboard programme.
What does the worker have to follow?
The worker must:
- work only for the designated employer, in the specified occupation
- not take any other business or self-employment
- live only at the employer-designated address
- carry the digital pass on the SGWorkPass app, or the physical card
- not marry a Singapore citizen or permanent resident without MOM approval
- not become pregnant or deliver in Singapore without prior approval, if not married to a Singapore citizen or PR
These are conditions of the permit, and a breach can cost the worker the pass.
How long does a Work Permit last, and what ends it?
The duration is generally 2 years. MOM applies the shortest of three dates: the passport expiry, the end of the security bond and the end of the employment period. When employment ends, the employer must cancel the permit within one week of the worker's last notice day, pay repatriation costs including airfare with luggage, and settle all outstanding employment matters.
For renewals, our work pass renewal guide gives MOM's renewal window and fee for the Work Permit, so we do not repeat them.
What are the quota and levy?
MOM states two limits. An employer has a quota for its industry, and it pays a monthly foreign worker levy for each Work Permit holder. There is also a skilled worker levy rate and a levy waiver route, which MOM links from its quota and levy page. We did not find the sector amounts on the pages we read, so the amounts are left out here. Ask MOM or use its tools before you hire.
Can a Work Permit holder start a company?
No. The conditions say no other business or self-employment, and MOM's general FAQ says S Pass and Work Permit holders cannot own or manage a business or register at ACRA as a sole-proprietor, partner, director or secretary. A breach can mean revocation and an employment ban. The full position for each pass is on Can an Employment Pass holder start a business.
Where does the Work Permit sit among the other passes?
It sits at the semi-skilled end of MOM's list. Above it are the S Pass and the Employment Pass. The overview is on our work pass types page. If an application is refused, see work pass rejection.
Do you need a provider?
Employers can file themselves in Work Permit Online. Many use a licensed agent for quota checks and paperwork. If you want that, use the quote form on this page. We pass your request to suitable providers and may earn a referral fee. The rules above are MOM's.
Sources
- MOM, Work Permit for migrant worker: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker (who it is for, sectors).
- MOM, sector-specific rules: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules (five sectors, medical exams, Onboard).
- MOM, Work Permit conditions: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/work-permit-conditions (2 years, employer and worker duties).
- MOM, foreign worker quota and levy: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/foreign-worker-levy (quota and monthly levy).
- MOM FAQ, directors and secretaries: https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-pass-general/can-s-pass-or-work-permit-holders-be-registered-as-company-directors (no business ownership).
